Men's Alkane™ Pant

Details

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/mens-alkane-pant-OM5181.htmlOM5181

Summary

Lightweight pant feels great on the inside when it’s pouring outside. Streamlined and simple, this waterproof pant is built for performance in any weather. Dry.Q™ EVAP’s innovative system of channels disperses sweat quickly for faster evaporation, improved breathability and a drier interior feel.

Features & Specs

Breathable --

Waterproof --

Weight: -9.1 oz. / 259 g. -

Reviewers rated this product: -Fits Slightly Small -

Good For: -Backpacking / Hiking -

Summary

Lightweight pant feels great on the inside when it’s pouring outside. Streamlined and simple, this waterproof pant is built for performance in any weather. Dry.Q™ EVAP’s innovative system of channels disperses sweat quickly for faster evaporation, improved breathability and a drier interior feel.

Past Season Color

Details

Materials

Fabric Body: Dry.Q™ EVAP 30D Ripstop

Body Fabric Content: 100% nylon

Measurements

Inseam:32 " / 81 cm

Apparel Fit: Standard

Weight: 9.1 oz. / 259 g.

Details

Dry.Q™ EVAP accelerates evaporation for more breathability and comfort

Water resistant zippered thigh pocket

3-slider 3/4 length side zips for venting options and easy on/off

Elastic waist band with belt loops for customized fit

Technology

Dry.Q EVAP

Dry.Q EVAP combines the industry leading waterproof-breathability of Dry.Q with EVAP, an interior-surface wicking technology that disperses through a network of channels on the fabric so it evaporates more quickly, improving breathability and keeping the wearer drier and more comfortable.

Reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5 by 5
reviewers.

Rated 3 out of 5 by AngelesCrest Scare the Animals Away
Fit: I wear 33/32 in just about every manufacturer out there. 32 is almost always too small, and 34 is almost always a little too big--particularly at the waist. That's why I was surprised with these pants, because they were slightly smaller than I had anticipated and needed. They are extremely lightweight, although would be more so if they didn't have the 3/4 length side zips--but they are important for venting and removal. It has a stretch waistband, and in my waist it needs to stretch 3/4 of the way to the max, which leaves very little room to spare. This isn't good if you were wanting to put these over softshells or other pants, because there's almost no room left. Additionally, if I am sitting or have to bent far down at the waist to maneuver/climb, it's a bit snug. The legs fit okay, and the crotch area is just big enough, but had I been able to try this on at the store, I would've almost certainly gone with one size up. Also, the inseam seems to be about a half inch long, which I would prefer slightly shorter so as to not have it dragging on the ground--however, with boots it's usually okay. When climbing or having to climb up boulders, etc, it's again a little too snug and inhibits my movements slightly.
It may sound like an unusual criticism, but prepare to scare the animals away with how loud these pants are. I don't mind a little swishing, but it's so loud I woke my daughter up walking past her bedroom at night. That may sound like an exaggeration, but it is loud. When I first put them on in the house and walked around, my wife gave me a dirty look and told me they were so loud. I do a lot of professional photography/filming in the outdoors, and the last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself. For some, it could be a dealbreaker.
On the plus side, these are some serious technical pants. I was impressed with how well they perform with repelling water, but keep in mind that they will get toasty (and sticky) if you don't vent them properly. I wouldn't say I like these pants, or that they're comfortable, but if you know with absolute certainty that you want a super lightweight shell that you'll pull out only on occasion for downpours, this is hard to beat. However, if you think you'd like to wear these regularly in various (especially heavy) activities, I don't recommend them at all. Go with a softshell--that's what I should've done in the first place.
April 4, 2014

Rated 5 out of 5 by bigsky0708 Kilimanjaro Summit!
I just returned from Tanzania after a successful summit of Kilimanjaro and I wore these pants through warm, humid rainforests, freezing rain with 40 MPH wind, and 0 degree weather at the summit with only a pair of long johns underneath. The side zips are great if the weather is warm and you begin to heat up. The wind blocking and waterproofing are fantastic in the rain. And fighting off the cold was no prob with a thin under layer. I would recommend these pants to anyone for anything except below zero weather. These bad boys got me to the top! I am 5' 10'' 190lbs and the size 32 waist was perfect, plenty of breathing room for an under layer with these.
February 18, 2014

Rated 4 out of 5 by Stephen13 Alane pants
A good waterproof light pants, well-ventilated.
HOWEVER, the sizing assumes the pants will be worn over shorts or underpants; usually, it's over less waterproof pants. This may be a systematic bias in Mountain Hardwear design. (I've not used other of their pants.) Thus, if you would wear a large pants, you need to order extra-large, etc. I did not, but will live with it.
December 8, 2013

Rated 4 out of 5 by BooBoo2011 Solid Backpacking Pant
The Alkane pants are a very solid backpacking rain pant. With 3/4 length side zips they are easy on/off and easy to vent, a big difference between many other options in this price range. The membrane is by no means as breathable as DryQ Elite, EVENT or GoreTex Pro Shell, but for the weight and price, it perfectly serves its purpose, and held up well to the weather and abuse on the Wonderland Trail. If this pant was offered in DryQ Elite, it would be the only pant I use in the backcountry.
October 6, 2013

Rated 5 out of 5 by Burner30 Perfect packable
These pants weigh nothing and pack down with my rain jacket to a size that is easily manageable for my backpacking needs. They fit very well and with the belt loops(which I couldn't find on other rain pants) they can hold some weight and belt accessories. The Large worked great for me, I'm 5'-10" and 190lb.
June 7, 2013